Tender, juicy Air Fryer Meatballs are about to become your new weeknight dinner hero! These protein-packed delights cook up in just 15 minutes, delivering that perfect golden-brown exterior while staying wonderfully moist inside.
With only 309 calories per serving and a whopping 24g of protein, they’re as nutritious as they are delicious. Whether you’re pairing them with pasta, serving them as appetizers, or adding them to sandwiches, these versatile meatballs will revolutionize your meal planning.
Ingredients for Juicy Air Fryer Meatballs
- Ground Protein: 1 pound of your choice (beef, pork, or veggie protein for flexibility)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup to bind everything perfectly
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup finely diced for extra flavor and moisture
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped, adds wonderful freshness
- Egg: 1 large, helps hold everything together
- Seasonings: 1 tsp each of garlic salt and oregano for perfect flavoring
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
- Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated
- Shape: Form mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls for perfect cooking consistency
- Prepare Air Fryer: Line your basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Arrange: Place meatballs in the basket with small spaces between each
- Initial Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 8 minutes until starting to brown
- Glaze: Brush your prepared glaze over each meatball
- Final Cook: Continue air frying at 380°F for 7 more minutes until cooked through
- Serve: Remove carefully and enjoy while hot!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs
Want super juicy meatballs? Don’t pack them too tightly when rolling – gentle hands make tender meatballs! A quick spritz of oil on the meatballs helps them brown beautifully. If you’re making a big batch, keep the meatballs similar in size so they cook evenly. The parchment paper liner isn’t just for easy cleanup – it helps prevent the meatballs from sticking to your air fryer basket.
Mix and Match Proteins
Feel free to play with different protein combinations! Try 50/50 beef and pork for extra flavor, or go lighter with ground turkey or chicken. Making these vegetarian? Beyond Meat or Impossible ground works great, and mushrooms add amazing flavor to plant-based versions. Just keep the total amount at 1 pound and you’re good to go!
Serving Ideas
These meatballs are super versatile! Serve them over your favorite pasta with marinara sauce, or pop them into sub rolls for amazing meatball sandwiches. They’re perfect on top of rice or mashed potatoes too. For a lighter meal, try them with zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. Don’t forget extra sauce for dipping!
Storage and Reheating
Made too many? Lucky you! These meatballs keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F, or microwave them with a splash of water to keep them moist. The glaze might need a quick refresh after reheating.
Air Fryer Meatballs
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground protein (ground beef, ground pork, veggie protein)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into 1-1.5 inch balls.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil.
- Place the meatballs into the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the meatballs at 380 degrees F for 8 minutes.
- Mix the glaze ingredients together and brush over the meatballs.
- Air fry the meatballs for another 7 minutes at 380 degrees F.
- Remove the meatballs from the air fryer basket, then serve and enjoy!
